Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish of creamy, cheesy potatoes. When you combine the convenience of a slow cooker with the universal appeal of this classic comfort food, you get a winning combination that’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you need a hearty side dish that practically prepares itself.

This slow cooker cheesy hash brown potatoes recipe has earned its place as a staple at potlucks, holiday meals, and family gatherings across America. With minimal hands-on preparation and maximum flavor, it’s easy to understand why this dish remains a perennial favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this slow cooker cheesy hash brown potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity and incredible flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation:

• It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time
• The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up for other tasks
• The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with the perfect texture of hash browns is irresistible
• It’s versatile enough to pair with nearly any main dish
• The recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings
• It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children

Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a comforting side dish for a weeknight dinner, these slow cooker cheesy hash brown potatoes fit the bill perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and freezer. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups crushed corn flakes cereal
• ¼ cup butter, melted

This combination creates the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of seasoning and a delightful crunchy topping that adds wonderful texture contrast.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

The beauty of slow cooker recipes is that they require minimal equipment. For this cheesy hash brown potatoes recipe, you’ll need:

• A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
• A large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A small bowl for preparing the corn flake topping
• A spoon or spatula for mixing

That’s it! No special tools or complicated equipment required, making this an accessible recipe for cooks of all experience levels.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Creating this delicious dish is remarkably simple. Just follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture

Begin by combining all your main ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, ½ cup melted butter, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, 1½ cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese (reserve the remaining ½ cup for later), salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the hash browns are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the mixture is heated through. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully while producing perfectly cooked potatoes.

Step 4: Add Remaining Cheese

After the cooking time is complete, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture. Cover again and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping

While the cheese is melting, prepare your crunchy topping. In a small bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with ¼ cup melted butter, mixing well to ensure the corn flakes are evenly coated.

Step 6: Add Topping and Serve

Sprinkle the buttered corn flake mixture over the melted cheese. Replace the lid for another 2-3 minutes to allow the topping to warm slightly. Then serve your delicious cheesy hash brown potatoes directly from the slow cooker to keep them warm throughout your meal.

Cooking Tips and Variations

While this recipe is wonderful as written, there are several ways to customize it to your preferences or dietary needs:

Helpful Tips

• You can use thawed or frozen hash browns, but using them frozen saves an extra step
• For extra flavor, consider sautéing the onions before adding them to the mixture
• Spraying your slow cooker with non-stick spray before adding ingredients makes cleanup much easier
• For a softer texture, cook on LOW; for firmer potatoes, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours
• This dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then placed in the slow cooker in the morning

Delicious Variations

• Meat Lover’s Version: Add 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mixture before cooking
• Spicy Kick: Mix in 1-2 diced jalapeños or a 4 oz can of diced green chilies
• Different Cheese: Try using pepper jack, Colby, or a cheese blend instead of cheddar
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken
• Garlic Lover’s: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the mixture for extra flavor
• Herb-Enhanced: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley

Nutritional Information

This rich, comforting side dish is definitely an indulgence. While it’s not meant to be an everyday health food, it’s good to be aware of what you’re consuming. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 12 servings per recipe):

To reduce the calorie and fat content, you could use low-fat versions of the sour cream, soup, and cheese, though this may affect the overall creaminess and texture of the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy hash brown potatoes are versatile enough to complement a wide range of main dishes. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Grilled or roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork
• Holiday ham or turkey
• Meatloaf or salisbury steak
• Alongside a simple green salad for a lighter meal
• With breakfast foods like eggs and bacon for a hearty brunch

The dish travels well, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. Simply keep it in the slow cooker and transport it carefully to maintain its temperature.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored and enjoyed later:

Refrigerating

Allow the cheesy potatoes to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The corn flake topping may lose some crispness during storage but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen either before or after cooking:

• Before Cooking: Prepare the potato mixture (without the corn flake topping) and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before transferring to the slow cooker and proceeding with the recipe.
• After Cooking: Cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers in portions. Freeze for up to 2 months. The texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave until heated through, about 2-3 minutes depending on portion size. For a better texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. You can also return leftovers to the slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours until heated through.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this cheesy hash brown potato recipe lies in its careful balance of ingredients and cooking method:

• The slow cooker provides gentle, even heat that allows the potatoes to cook perfectly without becoming mushy
• The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream creates an incredibly creamy, rich base
• The onions add flavor while softening during the long cooking process
• Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the mixture, creating pockets of gooey goodness
• The corn flake topping adds a wonderful textural contrast with its satisfying crunch

It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time because it consistently delivers delicious results with minimal effort – the hallmark of a truly great dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

A: While you can use freshly grated potatoes, frozen hash browns are recommended for convenience and consistent results. If using fresh potatoes, shred them, rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, and pat them dry thoroughly before using in the recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can mix all ingredients (except the corn flake topping) up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting with cold ingredients. Prepare and add the corn flake topping just before serving.

Q: Is there a substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

A: Yes, you can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of potato soup instead. For a homemade alternative, prepare a basic white sauce with chicken broth, butter, flour, and milk.

Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Prepare as directed but transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes until bubbly. Add the cheese and corn flake topping during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Q: My family doesn’t like onions. Can I leave them out?

A: Yes, you can omit the onions entirely or substitute 1-2 teaspoons of onion powder for the flavor without the texture.

This cheesy hash brown potatoes recipe is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and minimal preparation requirements, it’s sure to become a regular feature at your family gatherings and holiday tables. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy time with your loved ones while a delicious dish practically prepares itself. What could be better than that?

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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